Sports Briefs

Former Twins American Legion baseball players are invited to play in an Old Timers Game July 30 at 6 p.m. Those interested should call Lance Coz at 283-6101 and leave phone contact information.

Homer athlete wins Special Olympics medal

Homer's Joseph Bonfiglio and Palmer's Michael Powell teamed up to bowl a combined 775 score and win silver medals in the men's doubles competition at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland.

In the singles competition, Bonfiglio placed fifth. The Special Olympics World Summer Games were held June 21 to 29.

Johnnie family has big weekend

The Johnnie family of Soldotna was just one of several Kenai Peninsula racers to have a big weekend in drag racing at Alaska Raceway Park in Palmer.

In racing on the Fourth of July, Charlie Johnnie finished first in the Top ET division, beating runner-up Alicia Mayo of Fairbanks.

In drag racing Sunday, the success continued. Charlie placed second in the Top ET division, but his wife, Selene, picked up a first place in the Trophy division.

Racing on the Fourth of July also saw the peninsula dominate the Open Air category. John Ulen of Soldotna won the division, while John Carsner Jr. of Kenai was runner-up.

Carsner Jr. got his revenge Sunday, taking the Open Air category ahead of runner-up Louis Miller of Anchorage.

Bing Borden also represented the peninsula strongly Sunday, finishing second to Selene Johnnie in the Trophy division.

Kidd's free agency decision a week or less away

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. With San Antonio's wooing of Jason Kidd complete, the New Jersey Nets will get one final shot at keeping the biggest prize on the NBA's free agent market.

When that will happen was uncertain Wednesday, but the clock was ticking on New Jersey.

Nets president Rod Thorn did not return three telephone calls left by The Associated Press seeking comment on contract talks with the perennial All-Star point guard. Kidd led New Jersey's transformation from also-ran to two-time defending Eastern Conference champion in just two seasons with the team.

Lou Lamoriello, the Nets' chief executive officer, refused comment.

''Next question,'' Lamoriello said late Wednesday afternoon.

What is certain is that Kidd seemingly wants his unrestricted free agency resolved as soon as possible. The earliest he can sign is July 16.

Mourning may leave Miami

MIAMI Alonzo Mourning has not ruled out returning to the Miami Heat, but the seven-time All-Star center said Wednesday night he will look elsewhere if the team is committed to a lengthy rebuilding project.

Mourning was offered a contract Wednesday to stay with the Heat, and although he said there is a possibility of returning, he indicated that he and coach Pat Riley are headed in much different philosophical directions.

''I want to be here. But I understand Riles has to make the right decision for this franchise,'' Mourning said. ''He's already explained to me that he has to rebuild, and I told him I want to win. That pretty much explains itself there.''

Riley, addressing reporters in Orlando, where Miami has a team in a summer league, reiterated that he wants Mourning to remain with the Heat, who have paid him $105 million over the past seven years including his full $20.6 million last season when he sat out because of kidney disease.

James plays to empty house for a change

ORLANDO, Fla. LeBron James isn't used to playing in a nearly empty gym and it showed Wednesday.

James, who made his debut in front of 15,000 fans at the Pepsi Summer League on Tuesday, played in front of an estimated 150 people Wednesday and nearly all of them were media or coaches.

He wasn't nearly as sharp and neither were the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost 82-78 to the Miami Heat. Afterward, James said he won't play the final three games of the Orlando summer league.

His agent, Aaron Godwin, said earlier that James would play Thursday against Detroit and Friday against Minnesota, but miss Saturday's finale against Milwaukee to attend a wedding back in Ohio.

James is scheduled to play some games in Boston's summer league later this month.

Varitek, Jenkins win online All-Star balloting

NEW YORK Boston catcher Jason Varitek and Milwaukee outfielder Geoff Jenkins won the Internet balloting for the final spots on their respective All-Star teams.

Varitek received 3,210,509 votes to beat out Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox, Eric Byrnes of the Oakland Athletics, Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees and Bengie Molina of the Anaheim Angels for the 32nd spot on the AL team.

Yankees activate Bernie Williams

CLEVELAND Bernie Williams had barely unpacked his travel bag when he popped into his manager's office.

Williams, sidelined the past six weeks after undergoing knee surgery, was activated from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday by the New York Yankees.

''It was nice to see that quizzical look on his face when he came in wondering if he was going to play,'' Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

Henderson gets MVP of Atlantic League All-Star tilt

NASHUA, N.H. Rickey Henderson ran off with another award Wednesday night when he was chosen as MVP of the independent Atlantic League All-Star game.

Henderson hit an RBI double, going 1-for-2 with a walk in leading the South Division over the North 2-1.

He batted leadoff, and doubled in the fifth inning in the game played at the home of the Nashua Pride.

Henderson, still hoping at 44 to make it back to the majors, is hitting .349 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs in 54 games for the Newark Bears. He is 7-for-10 on steal attempts and has a .498 on-base percentage.

A 10-time All-Star outfielder in the big leagues, he is baseball's career leader in runs scored, stolen bases and walks. He also has 3,040 hits.